She was not yet nine years old when her mother died. Her father had died years before her, leaving behind a small family living in poverty and deprivation. The lonely widow had to look for work. She could not refuse the offer of her wealthy Jewish neighbors to work for them as a housekeeper. They would provide her with housing and food, and take care of her young daughter so that she could continue her education and grow up in suitable circumstances. The difference in religion would not change anything. Over the years of living together, a unique relationship developed between the two families, which made them the subject of ridicule by some and envy by others.
Rima grew up in the arms of the Jewish Jacob family, who considered her one of their own. She was the joy of the house where the elderly parents and their son Jacob lived, and its vibrant spirit, after their eldest daughter got married and traveled with her husband to Lebanon. Jacob was the most attached to her and loved her. He was a young man of twenty-two years when five-year-old Rima entered his life. He spent most of his time with her. He played with her and teased her, read her stories and tales, enjoyed her innocent emotions and spontaneous laughter, bought her toys and gifts, and took advantage of the holidays to travel with her… Her mother felt reassured about her in his arms, and was happy that he gave her the tenderness of a father that she missed.
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